Blogging Ann Arbor's Development, Growth & Change

Old West Side

It’s rare that a place opens and immediately becomes an indispensable part of the community. Sometimes, a business at once fills a void we didn’t know existed and also epitomizes the culture and character of a neighborhood. For the Old West Side, just off the western edge of downtown Ann Arbor, that place is Argus Farm Stop.

Husband and wife team Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample opened Argus not two years ago in August, 2014 in an old service station at the corner of Liberty and 2nd. A year round farmers market and coffee shop, Argus quickly became the de facto meeting place for the neighborhood. The quick popularity and success however seems to have put a strain on the already tight confines of the space. Last summer they announced plans to add a 556 square foot greenhouse to the front of the building, effectively increasing their space over 40%.

Work is finally underway and should go relatively quickly. I wish them the best of luck in their expansion, this is a regular coffee and occasional grocery/lunch stop for me. Pro tip: Matteo serves up awesome barbecue from a serious smoker in the front parking lot on Fridays and Saturdays. Highly recommend it.